This post is in partnership with McCormick.
The first time I heard the word “panzanella”, I thought it was a dessert.
I mean, doesn’t it sound like something fabulously decadent you could only find in a European bakery with those cute little tables sitting outside on the sidewalk? Made by a chef in a white toque (fyi, that’s what they call those Chef Boyardee hats) with mounds of sugar, the sweetest butter and the flakiest crust, intended to be nibbled slowly through the afternoon side by side to a steaming cup of the most perfectly poured espresso?
Yeah, I was so wrong.
Panzanella is a traditional Tuscan salad made with the summer’s juiciest tomatoes, and get this: day-old, definitely-not-soft, hearty bread. Since our family is a family of bread dippers, the addition of bread in this salad makes it really popular—no additional dipping required.
To switch things up from the traditional Tuscan way this salad is prepared, I added a few Mediterranean-inspired flavors to our usual bread salad mix.
Yeah, and this time, I am so right.
About the Recipe
As I mentioned above, the key ingredient that sets this salad apart is day-old bread. That does not mean stale, hard as a rock bread. I use about half of a nice hearty baguette from one of my favorite local bakers, most often sourdough. I first cut or tear the bread into cube-ish shapes and then add them back to the paper bag they came in to sit and harden for a day or so. Once the salad all comes together, the juices from the tomatoes and the dressing soak into those delicious bread chunks to soften them, creating bold bites of bread with no need for dipping. The salad dressing is a simple one, with just 5 ingredients. See, you only need 5 ingredients because so much flavor is packed into the dressing thanks to the savory blend of herbs added to it. I use McCormick’s Gourmet™ Organic Italian Seasoning with Flaxseed to infuse the dressing with tons of flavor. There’s nothing else to add in the herb department because this blend contains all the zest I need: Flaxseed, marjoram, basil, savory, more garlic, onion, red bell pepper, and rosemary extract. Sure, it says “Italian” on the label, but the flavor profile is right in line with the other Greek flavors I’ve added to create the perfect complement to the dish. One of my tips in making this salad is to cut your bread, cucumbers, tomatoes, and roasted red bell pepper all the same size—or as close as you can. That way the bread doesn’t take over and dominate the chunks of cucumber, roasted bell peppers and tomato. And, to my husband’s liking, you then get HUGE CHUNKS of cucumber, his favorite fruit/veg ever. I seeded my cucumber but if you’re feeling lazy and don’t mind the seeds, this is a totally skippable step. But don’t skip this salad. It’s just like dessert in every sweet tomato bursting bite.If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Like These:
- Greek Pasta Salad with Cucumbers and Artichoke Hearts
- Summer Panzanella with Garlic Butter Bread
- Greek Salad with Avocado
- Panzanella with Marinated Chickpeas and Chimichurri
Greek-Style Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ day-old baguette or crusty Italian bread , cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
- 1 cucumber , seeded and cut into ½-inch chunks
- 4 large tomatoes or equivalent of smaller cherry or heirloom tomatoes , cut into ½-inch chunks or quarters
- ¼ red onion , thinly sliced
- 1 8- ounce jar roasted red bell pepper , cut into ½-inch chunks (about 1 ½ red bell peppers)
- 1 3.5- ounce jar capers , drained (about ⅓ cup)
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives , drained and chopped
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Italian Seasoning with Flaxseed
- 1 clove garlic , pressed
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the bread, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, roasted red bell peppers, capers and olives and toss lightly. In a jar with a fitted lid, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic clove and kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Shake well, taste and season with more salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the crumbled feta cheese. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
This post is sponsored by McCormick. As always, thank you for reading and for supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. All opinions are always my own.
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As always, thank you for reading and supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. There may be affiliate links in this post of which I receive a small commission. All opinions are always my own.
Networthier
That looks like a delicious
Jerry
I am really impressed a lot in your blog posts. it is really what i wanted to see.. it is my favorite salad .anyhow i will bookmark your site check often for more new things.
http://www.platooh.com
Alma Beatrice
This salad was wonderful! Very fresh tasting and flavorful. I used 8 slices of bread, 4 toasted and 4 not toasted to see which way we liked it.
Cleaning Services Atlanta
What a great salad! I loved the taste! Even my hubby can make it :) Besides there is no big mess after preparing it :)
heidi
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment letting me know.
heidi
Exactly.
Heather
Great post! If you time, I’d love for you to check out my blog for more healthy recipes.
Tamar
I love this version of panzanella salad! Greek salad is a staple in my house but i will definitely try it your way next time. Thanks for some new ideas!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
Love the Greek flavors in this salad. I can’t believe I’ve never made a Panzanella salad before. What is wrong with me?!
heidi
Aw, Karen! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having yet to try something new. Hope you enjoy it when you make it.
Christine @ WRY TOAST
this looks delightful Heidi!! love the unexpected Greek spin :) xo
heidi
I tend to like traditional recipes with a little twist, sounds like you do too Christine. Cheers!
Katrina
Definitely one of my fav salads!! Love your version!
Ruth
This summer salad looks awesome and looks delicious to try. I would love to make it with these fresh veggies!
heidi
Hi Ruth, if you like crunch with a savory tang, you’ll love it!
heidi
I hope you enjoy it as much as we have Ruth.
sandra evans
LOVED THIS SALAD. I WANTED SOMETHING DIFFERENT FROM WHAT I USUALLY MAKE, A GREEN SALAD. THIS SALAD WAS FRESH AND TASTY.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
So glad you loved it!!